Reaching out and touching a target at extreme distances requires more than just skill and a steady rifle. It demands an optic that can deliver flawless clarity, precise adjustments, and unwavering reliability under pressure. Whether you’re a hunter stalking high-country game or a precision shooter ringing steel at a thousand yards, the right long-range scope is your most critical piece of equipment. The wrong choice can mean missed opportunities and frustration.
As a Marine, I learned to trust my gear with my life, and that standard applies to every piece of equipment I test. The scopes on this list have been evaluated through that same unforgiving lens. We’ve ranked them based on optical performance, turret reliability, rugged construction, and overall value to help you find the perfect scope for your mission, ensuring you can make that one shot count when it matters most.
Our Top Picks for Long-Range Scopes
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 FFP
- Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
- BARSKA Varmint Crosshair Reticle Precision Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 FFP
- Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 FFP Hunting Scope
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm FFP Side Focus Riflescope
- SWAROVSKI Z5 5-25×52 BT-4W Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 FFP
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 is a masterclass in versatility. Its first focal plane design and 2-10x magnification range make it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios, from close-quarters to mid-range engagements. The reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any power, allowing for precise holdovers and windage corrections when you need them most.
Built for the shooter who actively dials for elevation and wind, this scope features laser-etched turrets with a tactile and audible click, an adjustable parallax, and a reliable RZR zero stop. A fiber optic rotation indicator on the turret provides a quick visual reference for the number of revolutions, a critical feature when making large adjustments under time constraints. The illuminated EBR-4 reticle is both highly functional and uncluttered, ensuring a clear sight picture.
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
Burris delivers premium performance at an accessible price point with the Fullfield IV. This scope is built for the serious hunter who requires excellent optical performance, especially in the critical low-light periods at dawn and dusk. The 50mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics work in concert to provide a bright, clear image with exceptional color fidelity.
The 4-16x zoom range offers plenty of magnification for long-range shots, while the sleek, integrated eyepiece design allows for easy and secure adjustments in the field. Finger-adjustable turret knobs provide a low-profile, tactile interface for making precise corrections. With a wide selection of available reticles, the Fullfield IV can be configured to match your specific hunting or target shooting needs.
BARSKA Varmint Crosshair Reticle Precision Riflescope
For shooters seeking an effective entry into long-range precision without a significant investment, the BARSKA Varmint scope presents a solid option. It is a versatile optic designed for varmint hunting and target shooting, featuring a straightforward crosshair reticle that keeps the sight picture clean and simple.
A key feature for accuracy at distance is the adjustable objective, which allows for parallax correction to ensure the reticle and target are on the same focal plane. The easy-grip, extra-high turrets offer a positive feel for making windage and elevation adjustments. With its fully multi-coated optics, this scope provides a clear sight picture for accurate long-range shooting.
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
The Viper HS-T 6-24×50 is built for hunters and tactical shooters who need high magnification for engaging targets at very long ranges. The generous 6-24x magnification range provides the detail needed for precise shot placement on small targets or distant vitals. The VMR-1 reticle in the second focal plane offers a clean main sight picture with useful holdover points.
Optical performance is a strong suit, thanks to premium, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver excellent resolution and color fidelity. The exposed target-style turrets are engineered for precise and repeatable adjustments, giving you confidence in every click. A CRS Zero Stop system is included, allowing for a quick and reliable return to your initial zero after dialing for elevation.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 FFP
Sitting at the top of Vortex’s lineup, the Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 is a purpose-built long-range optic that doesn’t compromise. The high-density glass provides stunning clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness, while the 6x zoom range offers exceptional versatility for both mid-range and extreme-distance shooting. The first focal plane EBR-7C reticle is a sophisticated tool designed for complex engagements.
This scope features the advanced L-TEC turret system, which includes a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments and a visual rotation indicator to track your revolutions. The controls are streamlined for efficiency, with the side parallax and illumination knobs integrated into a single, easy-to-access unit. This is a scope for the shooter who demands the highest level of performance and features.
Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 FFP Hunting Scope
The Nightforce ATACR is a benchmark for ruggedness and optical excellence in the long-range world. Featuring top-tier ED glass, this scope provides outstanding brightness and clarity, cutting through mirage and low-light conditions with ease. The large 56mm objective lens gathers ample light, ensuring a bright, high-contrast image when you need it most.
As a first focal plane optic, the reticle’s subtensions remain true at every magnification setting, allowing for instantaneous range estimation and holdovers. Nightforce is renowned for building scopes that can withstand immense punishment, and the ATACR is engineered to maintain zero and function flawlessly under the most demanding conditions, making it a trusted choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm FFP Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD is a lightweight, high-performance scope built for the precision rifleman. It combines a massive 5-25x magnification range with a remarkably slim and lightweight profile, an engineering feat that provides an advantage in the field. The HD optical system delivers exceptional resolution, color fidelity, and low-light performance.
This first focal plane scope ensures the illuminated TMR reticle is effective across its entire magnification range. Leupold’s reputation for creating waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof optics is fully realized in the Mark 5HD, guaranteeing reliability in any environment. With its generous internal adjustment range and crisp turrets, it is capable of handling the most demanding long-range tasks.
SWAROVSKI Z5 5-25×52 BT-4W Riflescope
Swarovski optik is synonymous with unparalleled optical quality, and the Z5 5-25×52 is a prime example. This riflescope offers a brilliant, high-contrast image with exceptional light transmission, giving you a critical advantage during the first and last minutes of shooting light. The 5x zoom ratio provides a wide field of view at lower powers and high magnification for long-range precision.
Built with the discerning hunter in mind, the Z5 combines a relatively lightweight design with the ruggedness needed for backcountry use. The precision mechanics and crystal-clear glass make target acquisition and tracking smooth and effortless. For the shooter who will accept nothing less than the best in glass clarity, the Swarovski Z5 is a top-tier choice.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical represents outstanding value in the long-range scope market. It brings first focal plane functionality to a highly affordable package, making advanced features accessible to more shooters. The FFP reticle ensures that holdover points are accurate regardless of the magnification setting, which is set between 6x and 24x for long-distance work.
This scope is equipped with exposed tactical-style turrets that offer crisp, tactile clicks for repeatable adjustments. The optical system features fully multi-coated lenses for a bright and clear sight picture. For those beginning their journey into precision shooting or for experienced marksmen seeking a capable scope for a dedicated rifle, the Diamondback Tactical delivers proven performance without compromise.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Long Range Scope
Choosing one of the best long range scopes isn’t just about picking the most expensive one. It’s about matching the tool to the job. From my time behind the rifle, I learned that a scope is a system, and every part of that system needs to work in harmony. Forget the marketing fluff; let’s talk about what actually matters when you’re trying to connect at distance.
First, consider magnification. More isn’t always better. A huge, high-power scope is heavy and has a narrow field of view, which is a pain for closer targets or moving shots. For most long-range shooting, a scope that tops out between 20x and 25x is more than enough. The low end is just as important; a starting magnification of 5x or lower is very useful. Next is the objective lens size. A larger lens (like 50mm or 56mm) gathers more light, giving you a brighter image in low-light conditions. But it also sits higher on the rifle, which can mess with your cheek weld. You might need a taller mount, which adds weight and can affect your natural point of aim.
The turrets are your direct interface for making adjustments. You need turrets that are tactile, audible, and track reliably. This means when you dial 10 clicks up, the point of impact moves exactly the predicted amount, every single time. Exposed turrets are fast for competition, but for a hunting rifle that gets banged around in the woods, I often prefer capped turrets to prevent accidental bumps. The reticle is your brain. A simple duplex reticle won’t cut it. You need a reticle with hash marks for holdovers and windage. First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are my go-to because the reticle’s scale stays true to the target at any magnification. Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest, which can lead to mistakes under pressure.
Finally, build quality is non-negotiable. Your scope must hold zero after repeated recoil and survive the elements. Look for robust construction, quality glass for a clear, sharp image, and reliable, waterproof sealing. When you’re evaluating the 9 Best Long Range Scopes in 2025, judge them against these core principles: reliable magnification range, quality turrets, a useful reticle, and bomb-proof construction. Your choice should be a balance of performance, durability, and budget that fits your specific mission, whether that’s punching paper, hunting elk, or tactical applications.
FAQ
What magnification scope do I really need for long-range shooting?
For most practical long-range shooting, a scope that goes up to 20x or 25x is sufficient. I’ve made consistent hits out to 1,000 yards with 18x. The key is the quality of the glass, not just the highest number. A scope with a range like 5-25x gives you great versatility for both closer-in shots and stretching out to extreme distances. More magnification often means more weight, a smaller field of view, and a shakier image due to mirage and your own movement.
What is the difference between First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane?
This is a critical distinction. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification. This means the holdover marks (the hash marks) are accurate at any magnification setting. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, so the holdover marks are only correct at one specific magnification, usually the highest power. For serious long-range work, FFP is the way to go because it eliminates a potential variable and allows for fast, accurate holds at any zoom level.
How important are the turrets on a long-range scope?
They are everything. The turrets are how you communicate with the bullet. You need turrets that have a positive, tactile “click” so you can feel and count your adjustments. They must track reliably, meaning the point of impact moves precisely with the number of clicks you dial. If they don’t, your data is useless. Also, consider whether you need exposed or capped turrets. Exposed are faster for competition, but capped are better for protecting your zero on a hunting rifle that gets carried through brush.
Can I use a hunting scope for long-range precision shooting?
You can, but there are trade-offs. A dedicated hunting scope is often lighter and may have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. A precision or tactical scope is typically heavier, has exposed and more robust turrets, and often features a more complex FFP reticle. If your “long-range” hunting shot is 400-500 yards, a good hunting scope with reliable tracking will work. If you’re regularly shooting past 600 yards or in competitions, you’ll want the features of a dedicated precision scope. When looking at a list of the 9 Best Long Range Scopes in 2025, you’ll see models suited for both purposes.
Why is a 34mm or 35mm tube better than a 1-inch tube?
The main advantage of a larger main tube (34mm or 35mm vs. the standard 1-inch/30mm) is increased internal adjustment range. This means you can dial for more elevation and windage without having to use a canted base. It also allows for larger lenses, which can potentially improve light transmission and image brightness. However, it also means the scope is heavier and all your rings and mounts must be the larger size, which are more expensive.